OPS launches a virtual reality laboratory to increase the capacity of American laboratories to monitor respiratory viruses

Washington, DC, February 6, 2026 (OPS) — The Organization Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) launched a virtual reality laboratory designed to strengthen capacities and prepare public health laboratories in the Americas for surveillance of influenza and other pathogens with potential epidemics.

This immersive digital herramienta was presented in November of 2025 during the regional meeting of laboratories of the Red of Respiratory Diseases Agudas Graves (SARInet plus), celebrated in Brasilia, Brazil. The meeting brought together experts from all Latin America and the Caribbean to promote surveillance of respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19.

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A laboratory without walls

The Virtual Reality Laboratory offers an interactive 3D simulation of a molecular biology laboratory based on the structure and flow of work from a national influenza center. 

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Users can recorrer the different areas - such as receiving data and molecular processes and genetic sequencing -, interact with their teams and consult key resources: diagnostic algorithms, biosafety standards, quality control manuals, technical protocols and related documents with them. Reglamento Sanitario Internacional (RSI).

The port is accessible from virtual reality glasses, computers or mobile devices, and allows access to documents, videos and infographics through interactive points. This complements traditional skills and facilitates practical learning by technical and professional laboratories, especially in contexts where access to advanced installations may be limited.

Según la doctora Juliana Leite, del Equipo de Respuesta de Laboratorios de la OPS, el Laboratorio de Realidad Virtual “offers a totally immersive experience that foments exploration and active learning, connected to professionals and contributes to strengthening the capacity of the laboratories and the resilience of them health systems throughout the region”.

Prepare before the imminent emergence

The initiative helps improve preparation for public health emergencies and facilitates the incorporation of new professionals to allow personnel to become familiar with their teams, procedures and safety measures before entering a physical laboratory.

Participants in the SARInet meeting revealed the value of this herramienta as a model that can be adapted or replicated in national laboratories.

“This laboratory is a very valuable research opportunity,” said Vernel Feloion, supervisor of the Molecular Biology and Serology Department of the Ezra Long Laboratory in Santa Lucia. “No one needs to visualize and plan future molecular biology laboratories, but also offers practical learning that helps to familiarize oneself with the protocols and workflows, especially for those who do not work in a fully equipped installation.”

For his part, Danilo Franco, of the Instituto Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud de Panamá, subrayó su impacto regional: “Es una herramienta de grand apoyo para los laboratorios de la región. Offere una training continua y refuerza los protocolsos, las medidas de bioseguridad y las herramientas que utilizamos para responder a events public health”.

With this initiative, the OPS reaffirmed its compromise with the technological innovation and the advancement of the laboratory systems as an essential pillar for the preparation, the early detection and the effective response before the emergence of public health in the Americas.